Sen. Dave Weeks

Maddy summaryS.275 creates the Cemetery Vandalism Response Fund to help Vermont cemeteries repair vandalism. It requires cemetery agencies (including town, religious, and association-run cemeteries) to pay a $5 fee per burial or cremation into the fund. When vandalism occurs (e.g., toppled stones or damaged crypts), agencies can apply for a grant to cover repair costs after reporting the incident to the Vermont Old Cemetery Association (VOCA), notifying families about insurance, and providing documentation like photos and contractor bids. Funds are disbursed directly to cemeteries for repairs, with any unused money returned to the fund. The bill aims to address vandalism without relying on regular maintenance budgets or family insurance claims.

Maddy summaryHCR 178 is a ceremonial resolution honoring former Vermont State Senator William H. Carris of Wells. It commemorates his life and service, including his career as a business leader (founder of Carris Reels, which implemented an employee stock ownership plan), his philanthropy, and his three terms in the Vermont Senate (2006-2016). The resolution extends the General Assembly's sympathy to his family and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to them. As a non-binding tribute, it has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents or legislation.

Maddy summaryHCR 196 is a ceremonial resolution honoring U.S. Army Major General Gregory Knight, Vermont's Adjutant and Inspector General, for his 43-year military and public service career. It formally commends his service - including deployments to Iraq, academic achievements, leadership in the Vermont National Guard, and his seven-year tenure as the state's top military officer - and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to him and the Vermont National Guard. This resolution does not create new laws or affect policy; it is a symbolic gesture of recognition. The bill was offered by all members of both the House and Senate.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution designates February 11, 2026, as "Disability Advocacy Day" at the Vermont State House. It recognizes the work of disability rights groups like the Vermont Coalition for Disability Rights (VCDR) and highlights ongoing challenges such as educational disparities and barriers in employment, housing, and transportation faced by Vermonters with disabilities. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges these issues and the contributions of people with disabilities. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to VCDR.

Maddy summaryVermont's Senate resolution SR 21 condemns the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens (Renée Good and Alex Pretti) by federal agents during ICE's Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota. It demands the President immediately suspend the operation, reset immigration enforcement to target only serious criminals, and prioritize constitutional rights. The resolution urges Vermont's congressional delegation to oppose further ICE funding unless reforms include ending militarized tactics, restoring due process, and creating fair pathways to legal status. It also affirms constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and lethal force without legal accountability. The resolution is a non-binding call for federal action, not a law.

Maddy summaryThis procedural resolution formally congratulates West Rutland High School's 2025 Division IV championship softball team (the Golden Horde) for their 19-4 victory in the state championship game and their sixth athletic title. It specifically recognizes the team's players, coaches, and support staff as detailed in the resolution. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to West Rutland High School. As a symbolic gesture with no policy or funding changes, it does not affect legislation or require voter action.

Maddy summaryVermont's S.310 requires businesses offering subscriptions with indefinite renewal terms to send consumers an annual notification about their right to cancel. This applies to services like streaming or software subscriptions (excluding financial institutions and insurance) and mandates clear notices stating renewal dates, automatic renewal terms, and simple cancellation methods (phone, email, or online). Businesses must provide this notice 30-60 days before renewal dates and ensure cancellation is easy without extra steps. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis Vermont bill (S.306) defines 911 call takers, public safety dispatchers, and emergency communications staff as "first responders in communications" for the first time. It requires employers to provide relevant training and extends workers' compensation benefits for PTSD to these dispatchers, presuming PTSD diagnosed during service is job-related unless proven otherwise. The law specifically covers Vermont dispatchers certified by the Vermont Enhanced 911 Board who handle emergency communications. It takes effect July 1, 2026, and directly affects all Vermont emergency communications dispatchers.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 308) removes income-based limits for excluding U.S. military retirement and survivor benefit income from Vermont income tax. Currently, Vermont taxpayers with federal adjusted gross income (AGI) over $125,000 see partial or no exclusion, but this bill would fully exclude all such military retirement income regardless of income level. It affects Vermont residents receiving military retirement pay, changing the tax treatment from a tiered system to a flat exclusion. The change applies retroactively to tax years beginning January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises Vermont's three-acre stormwater discharge permit program. It requires the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) to verify each parcel's impervious surface area through on-site visits (not just GIS data) and rank parcels by their impact on water quality. Parcels in the top 10% for water quality impact will need permits, while others will follow a new priority schedule based on severity. The bill also clarifies that failing to obtain a permit when required does not create a legal "cloud on title" affecting property sales or financing. ANR must hold public hearings in each county to explain these changes.